It is a Winter Wonderland, here in Ohio this week (I traveled home for the holidays this season and we have had a lot of snow!!!)  I am soo exited to show you some of the holiday entertaining I did for my Mom’s 60th Surprise Winter Wonderland Birthday Party.  Do you remember our Winter Wonderland Birthday Collection we shared with you recently?  Well, there is a great story behind this collection.  Maureen & I designed this collection/photo shoot, so I could recreate it in Ohio for my Mom’s birthday party.  It was something I have been anticipating since September and I can finally show you some of the fabulous details.  My two sisters, brother, and stepdad helped me plan, prepare and execute the party that Maureen & I designed for my mom!

I want to give a special Thank You to two local Ohio contributors:  Jennifer Conklin Photography (for the amazing photography) and Misty’s Cakery (for the fabulous birthday cake).  Also another Thank You goes to Firefly Confections  (for making more gorgeous cookies for the real event!)

Above are my amazing party helpers and my mom (My sister Erin, Brother Brian, Sister Laura, Stepdad Ric, Birthday Girl Robinne, and of course, me!)

Since New Years is next week, I thought it would be fun to share some of the good “eats” we prepared and served at the party!  (The full party details are coming soon including all of the sweets & treats!)

These are simple drink & food ideas/tips that are perfect for any party!

1. When setting up your drink table, try wrapping wine bottles with printable patterned paper or if you don’t have any, use copy paper (I used both copy paper and winter wonderland printables).

2. Set a table with all your glassware.  If you don’t have enough space for all of  the glasses, put out a few of each kind based on the drinks being served.  I set out wine glasses, martini glasses (that were dipped in melting chocolate and sugar sprinkles) and hot cocoa glass mugs.  I used our winter wonderland printables on each glass that I sat on the table.

3. Consider serving only small appetizer bites at your party.  It allows your guests to have various types of foods without having to serve a heavy meal.

Above are the following appetizers:  Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Bacon Cucumber Bites (topped with fresh dill); Mini Salads served in Baking cups; Veggie Baguettes stacked in Ranch Dip

4. Simple toothpick flags and party logos make your food and glassware seem so fancy!

Above are the following appetizers:  Antipasta Stacks; Tomato-Avocado Boats; Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites (topped with Sour Cream)

5. Instead of meats & cheeses, substitute meat with fruit.  It is a healthy option, and can also be a dessert alternative.

Above are the following appetizers:  Brie Cheese with Fresh Raspberry Sauce; Apples & Pears, and Various Crackers & Cheese Wedge Platter;

Blackberry, Feta Cheese & Mint Sticks, dipped in Honey

6.  It is always nice to have options for meat-lovers & vegetarians!  Try grilled Steak & Asparagus rolls and Black Bean Patties with Guacamole.

7. Who says pasta must be served family style?  We rolled individual sterling silver forks in pasta and served as bites!  (Each fork was placed on a white paper circle).

8. Pancakes are loved by children and adults!  It is always important to offer something the kids will eat too!

9. Soups are the perfect winter food – try serving them in individual expresso cups adorned with winter wonderland printables and mini-sized spoons!

Above are the following soups:  Cream of Broccoli; Shrimp & Corn Chowder; Tuscan Tomato Basil

I hope you find these holiday entertaining ideas & tips useful for your next event!  Stay tuned for the entire party writeup for my Mom’s Surprise 60th Winter Wonderland Birthday Party!  Happy Holidays!

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VENDOR CREDITS & RESOURCES:

– Concept, Styling and Production: Anders Ruff (plus Adria’s family!)
– Professional Photography: Jennifer Conklin Photography
– Printable Graphics: Anders Ruff Shop
– Sugar Cookies: Firefly Confections
– Cake:   Misty’s Cakery